Lewis & Short

bālo (bēlo, Varr. R. R. 2, 1, 7), āvi, ātum, 1, v. n. [root bal = bar; Sanscr. barh, barrire; Gr. βάρβαρος; cf. βληχή, ἔβραχε; but cf. also Paul. ex Fest. p. 30 Müll.],

  1. I. to bleat, Plaut. Bacch. 5, 2, 20; Ov. F. 4, 740; Quint. 1, 5, 72; Sil. 15, 706.
    Poet.: balantes hostiae = oves, Enn. ap. Cic. Div. 1, 21 (Trag. v. 61 Vahl.): pecus balans, Juv. 13, 233; and absol. balans = ovis (so μηκάς from μηκάομαι), Lucr. 6, 1131: balantum grex, Verg. G. 1, 272; 3, 457.
    Facetè, to speak of sheep: satis balasti, Varr. R. R. 2, 3, 1.
  2. II. Trop., to talk foolishly: Cornificius balare convincitur, Arn. 3, p. 122.